Ted Johnson To Share His Painful Story On SportsRadio 610

HOUSTON (CBS Houston) – After being a part of the Patriots’ glory years of the late 1990s and turn of the century and playing in four Super Bowls with them, former pro linebacker Ted Johnson now shows early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

During his 10-year professional career, the second-round pick out of Colorado played in 125 regular season games and recorded 757 tackles, 11.5 sacks, one interception, 16 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. It was the concussions that forced him into retirement.

In 2007, the New York Times reported that Johnson suffers amphetamine addiction, depression and headaches related to post-concussion syndrome and Second Impact Syndrome – all stemming from the concussions he suffered under coach Bill Belichik, who reportedly pressured Johnson to participate in full-contact practice drills just three days after suffering a concussion. It was then that Johnson reportedly suffered a second concussion, which he claims has led to several long-time symptoms.

Johnson speaks openly about the “bad days” during the two years following his retirement.

Concussions in sports, especially in football, have become one of the most important, most-discussed topics as of late. And the recent suicide of former Patriots linebacker Junior Seau has sparked even more concern among players and football fans.

Johnson will join the J&R show at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 11 to share more on this topic.

Be sure to tune in for this interview on SportsRadio 610 or listen online.